When the threat of large, fast-moving wildfires exist, it is always better to be safe than sorry.

Even with rains forecast for much of North Texas this week, Fannin County Commissioners felt the need to impose a ban on outdoor burning.  In addition to the obvious factor of public safety, commissioners also hope the burn ban can save tax dollars, as well.  The total fuel expenditure to fight just one recent grassfire in the Honey Grove area was $2,700. 

Commissioner Pat Hilliard made a motion that Fannin County Commissioners Court place the burn ban in effect, but revisit the burn ban ordinance at their next regular meeting, August 25, to determine if conditions might warrant lifting the ban.  The motion passed 4-0.

Commissioners also named a committee that will study and develop a tax abatement policy for Fannin County.  Commissioners Dewayne Strickland and Pat Hilliard, along with Fannin County Treasurer Mike Towery and Fannin County Auditor Scott Dyer will now have one month to develop a comprehensive tax abatement policy that will protect the interests of the county without deterring economic development.

According to the Texas Forest Service, at least 142 of the 254 counties in Texas have declared a ban on outdoor burning.

In another cost-cutting measure, Adult Supervision Director Hal Fowler volunteered to arrange for a community service crew to assist with the cleaning of the county facility in Windom.  Fannin Bank donated the former bank building to the county once their new facility in nearby Honey Grove was operational and the building comes equipped with ideal security for records storage. 

A work station for a Fannin County Deputy Sheriff as well as possibly a DPS Officer is being set up in the former bank building. 

Commissioners authorized Fannin County Purchasing Agent Jill Edwards to secure initial pest control of the facility.

Chairman of the Fannin Bank Board of Directors Ray Clark said that the intention of the ownership of the bank as demonstrated by all the directors was to give something to the community when the bank moved to new offices in Honey Grove.